Photo by Brian Carrol
The annual Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show, the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club’s largest annual fundraiser since 1973, will take place March 1-3 at the Saratoga Springs City Center.
Admission is free of charge, courtesy of the show’s major sponsor, Adirondack Trust Co. The Rotary Club accepts cash and coin donations at the event to benefit Franklin Community Center, a local nonprofit organization.
The show offers 120-plus Home and garden exhibitors plus the work of 25-plus regional artisans.
Now in its 46th year, it features 120 regional exhibitors showcasing a wide range of home improvement services, décor and furnishings, energy-saving products, outdoor living and landscaping, family recreation, and lifestyle products and services. On the City Center’s second floor, a fine art and craft event showcases artisans such painters, photographers, wood crafters, jewelers, and a winery, all with items for sale.
Also on display will be artwork from Saratoga Springs High School students.
New this year, several local restaurants will compete on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Rotary Mac ‘n Cheese Bake-Off, with Saratoga establishments including Longfellows, Bookmakers, Forno Bistro, Harvey’s Restaurant & Bar, Olde Bryan Inn and Peabody’s Sports Bar & Grill. They will offer free samples and attendees will vote for their favorite version. The winner will be announced late Saturday afternoon.
Sunday, March 3, features a special tool demo hosted by Allerdice Building Supply and Northern Dean. There will be a question/answer session about tools at noon, lasting 60-90 minutes.
In addition to the first-floor home and lifestyle exhibits, Other special events and activities are scheduled as follows:
• Saratoga Springs Police Department child safety booth and identification cards.
• Kids activities with Balloon Gal Jenny and JoJo’s face painting (Sunday, noon p.m.)
• Hourly prize drawings
The Rotary Club expects to raise close to $100,000 from the event, with proceeds being distributed to community nonprofit organizations, youth scholarships, and international humanitarian aid projects. Among the many community groups that the Rotary Club supports are the Salvation Army, Franklin Community Center, Saratoga Regional YMCA, Rebuilding Together, Shelters of Saratoga, Code Blue, and Saratoga Community Health Center.
The Rotary Club’s booth on the main floor will have information about the club’s scholarship and charitable donation programs. High school seniors attending Saratoga Springs High School, Saratoga Catholic High School and the Waldorf School are eligible to apply for scholarships, with applications due by April 15. Applications for major gifts are due by April 1.
Any community member interested in joining the Rotary Club is encouraged to stop by the Rotary booth for more information or visit www.saratogaspringsrotary.org.
The 2019 show will be open Friday, March 1, 5-8 p.m.; Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.